3.3 Action
9 min read•august 21, 2024
Action in storytelling is more than just explosions and car chases. It's the driving force that propels narratives forward, engaging audiences through dynamic physical and emotional events. From heart-pounding to subtle character interactions, action serves multiple purposes in film and television.
Effective action advances the plot, develops characters, and captivates viewers. It reveals characters' strengths and weaknesses, creates through high-stakes situations, and provides memorable moments that resonate long after the story ends. Understanding how to craft and execute compelling action is crucial for storytellers across all mediums.
Definition of action
- Action in storytelling encompasses dynamic physical and emotional events that propel the narrative forward
- In film and television, action serves as a visual and visceral element that engages audiences and creates excitement
- Action sequences often involve high-stakes situations, conflicts, or challenges that characters must overcome
Physical vs emotional action
Top images from around the web for Physical vs emotional action
Acting for Film & Television: Movement | The Acting for Film… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Storytelling Through Experience Design – Sherwin Torres – Medium View original
Is this image relevant?
Acting for Film & Television: Movement | The Acting for Film… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Physical vs emotional action
Acting for Film & Television: Movement | The Acting for Film… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Storytelling Through Experience Design – Sherwin Torres – Medium View original
Is this image relevant?
Acting for Film & Television: Movement | The Acting for Film… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Physical action involves tangible, observable movements and events (car chases, fistfights, explosions)
- Emotional action focuses on internal conflicts, character reactions, and psychological tension
- Effective storytelling often combines both physical and emotional action to create depth and resonance
- Physical action can serve as a metaphor or externalization of emotional conflicts
Action in different genres
- Action manifests differently across various film and television genres
- In thrillers, action often involves suspenseful pursuits or tense confrontations
- Sci-fi action may incorporate futuristic technology or otherworldly elements
- Comedy action blends physical humor with exciting sequences (slapstick chases)
- Drama may use subtle, character-driven action to reveal motivations and relationships
Purpose of action
Advancing the plot
- Action serves as a catalyst for story progression, moving characters from one situation to another
- Introduces new challenges or obstacles that characters must overcome
- Reveals important information or plot twists through dynamic events
- Creates cause-and-effect relationships that drive the narrative forward
- Accelerates pacing during crucial moments in the story
Character development
- Action sequences reveal characters' skills, strengths, and weaknesses
- Demonstrates how characters react under pressure or in high-stakes situations
- Allows characters to grow and evolve through overcoming physical or emotional challenges
- Builds relationships between characters through shared experiences or conflicts
- Exposes character motivations and inner conflicts through their actions
Audience engagement
- Captivates viewers with visually exciting or emotionally intense moments
- Creates a sense of immediacy and involvement in the story
- Provides visceral thrills and adrenaline-pumping experiences for the audience
- Offers moments of catharsis or release of tension built up throughout the narrative
- Generates memorable scenes that resonate with viewers long after the story ends
Elements of effective action
Pacing and rhythm
- Varies the speed and intensity of action to maintain audience interest
- Utilizes build-ups and payoffs to create satisfying action sequences
- Incorporates moments of calm or reflection between high-energy scenes
- Employs techniques like quick cuts or slow motion to manipulate perceived time
- Balances action-heavy segments with character development and plot exposition
Tension and stakes
- Establishes clear consequences for success or failure in action sequences
- Gradually increases the level of risk or difficulty as the story progresses
- Creates emotional investment in characters' well-being during dangerous situations
- Utilizes time pressure or deadlines to heighten urgency
- Introduces unexpected complications or twists to maintain suspense
Clarity and coherence
- Ensures action sequences are easy to follow and understand visually
- Maintains logical continuity in character movements and spatial relationships
- Establishes clear goals or objectives for characters within action scenes
- Uses establishing shots and geography to orient viewers in the action space
- Balances complex choreography with moments of simplicity for audience comprehension
Types of action sequences
Chase scenes
- Involve pursuit between characters or groups, often with vehicles or on foot
- Create tension through obstacles, near-misses, and environmental hazards
- Utilize varying speeds and terrain to add complexity and excitement
- Incorporate elements of strategy and quick thinking by characters
- Often culminate in a climactic confrontation or narrow escape
Fight scenes
- Showcase physical combat between characters, ranging from hand-to-hand to weapon-based
- Reveal character traits through fighting styles and techniques
- Balance realism with stylized choreography for visual appeal
- Incorporate environmental elements to add variety and unpredictability
- Use pacing and intensity to reflect the emotional state of the combatants
Disaster scenarios
- Depict large-scale catastrophes or dangerous events (natural disasters, accidents)
- Focus on characters' survival and problem-solving in extreme situations
- Combine practical effects and CGI to create convincing and spectacular visuals
- Often involve ensemble casts facing multiple interconnected challenges
- Explore themes of human resilience and cooperation in the face of adversity
Planning action scenes
Storyboarding techniques
- Create detailed visual representations of each shot in the action sequence
- Use rough sketches or digital tools to map out camera angles and movements
- Include notes on timing, special effects, and key character actions
- Allow for collaborative input from directors, cinematographers, and stunt coordinators
- Serve as a blueprint for efficient shooting and post-production planning
Choreography considerations
- Design action movements that suit characters' abilities and personalities
- Collaborate with stunt coordinators to ensure safety and realism
- Incorporate character motivations and emotions into physical performances
- Plan for multiple takes and camera angles to capture the best possible footage
- Consider the limitations of sets, locations, and actor capabilities
Safety precautions
- Conduct thorough risk assessments for all action sequences
- Employ qualified stunt coordinators and safety supervisors on set
- Use proper safety equipment and padding for actors and stunt performers
- Rehearse complex stunts extensively before filming
- Have medical personnel on standby during potentially dangerous scenes
- Implement strict protocols for handling weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials
Filming action sequences
Camera angles and movement
- Utilize dynamic camera movements to enhance the sense of action and energy
- Employ a mix of wide shots for context and close-ups for emotional impact
- Experiment with unconventional angles to create visual interest (low angles, Dutch tilts)
- Use handheld or Steadicam techniques for a more immersive, visceral feel
- Incorporate aerial shots or crane movements for sweeping, epic action scenes
Editing techniques
- Apply fast-paced cutting to increase tension and excitement
- Use match cuts to maintain visual continuity between shots
- Employ jump cuts or smash cuts for jarring, impactful moments
- Experiment with parallel editing to show simultaneous action in different locations
- Utilize rhythm and pacing in editing to complement the action on screen
Special effects integration
- Blend practical effects with CGI to create seamless, believable action
- Use green screen technology for complex or dangerous sequences
- Incorporate for enhanced explosions, destruction, or supernatural elements
- Employ motion capture techniques for creating realistic digital characters or stunts
- Utilize compositing to combine multiple elements into a single, cohesive shot
Writing action for scripts
Descriptive language
- Use vivid, concise prose to paint a clear picture of the action
- Focus on specific, impactful details rather than exhaustive descriptions
- Employ strong verbs and dynamic phrasing to convey energy and movement
- Balance technical specificity with room for directorial interpretation
- Avoid overusing adverbs, instead relying on powerful verb choices
Balancing action and dialogue
- Integrate brief, punchy dialogue into action sequences to maintain character presence
- Use dialogue to provide context or exposition during lulls in the action
- Employ non-verbal communication (grunts, gasps) to convey character reactions
- Limit lengthy conversations during intense action moments
- Use dialogue to build tension or provide comic relief in action scenes
Formatting conventions
- Use ALL CAPS for important sound effects or key visual elements
- Break long action paragraphs into shorter, more digestible chunks
- Employ white space effectively to control pacing and emphasize key moments
- Use (CONTINUED) and CONTINUOUS to indicate uninterrupted action across scene breaks
- Include specific camera directions only when absolutely necessary for storytelling
Action in different mediums
Film vs television action
- Film action often features larger budgets and more elaborate set pieces
- Television action adapts to episodic structure, building tension across multiple episodes
- TV action may rely more on character-driven conflicts due to budget constraints
- Film action sequences tend to be longer and more self-contained
- Television action often integrates more closely with ongoing character arcs and subplots
Action in animation
- Allows for exaggerated or physically impossible action sequences
- Utilizes stylized visuals and dynamic camera movements not feasible in live-action
- Employs techniques like squash and stretch to enhance the impact of actions
- Experiments with different art styles to create unique action aesthetics
- Blends fantastical elements seamlessly with realistic physics
Video game action sequences
- Incorporates player interactivity and decision-making into action scenes
- Utilizes quick-time events (QTEs) for cinematic action moments
- Balances gameplay mechanics with narrative-driven action sequences
- Employs cutscenes to showcase complex or visually spectacular action
- Adapts action to different gaming genres (first-person shooters, platformers, RPGs)
Historical evolution of action
Silent film era
- Pioneered physical comedy and slapstick action (Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton)
- Developed early special effects techniques for action sequences
- Relied heavily on visual storytelling due to lack of synchronized sound
- Established foundational action tropes (chase scenes, physical confrontations)
- Experimented with camera tricks and editing to enhance action impact
Golden age of Hollywood
- Introduced iconic action heroes and swashbuckling adventures (Errol Flynn)
- Developed elaborate stunt work and choreographed fight scenes
- Incorporated action into various genres (Westerns, war films, crime dramas)
- Established conventions for car chases and gunfights
- Blended action with romance and comedy in crowd-pleasing formulas
Modern action blockbusters
- Utilize advanced CGI and practical effects for spectacular action sequences
- Feature high-concept premises and global stakes (superhero films, disaster movies)
- Incorporate complex stunt work and parkour-inspired movement
- Blend genres to create hybrid action films (sci-fi action, action-comedy)
- Push boundaries of scale and spectacle in action set pieces
Cultural impact of action
Gender representation in action
- Evolving portrayal of female action heroes (Ellen Ripley, Wonder Woman)
- Challenges traditional gender roles in action-oriented narratives
- Addresses issues of objectification and empowerment in action cinema
- Explores diverse representations of masculinity in action roles
- Influences societal perceptions of gender and physical capability
Violence and censorship
- Debates over the impact of on-screen violence on audiences, especially youth
- Varying standards of acceptable violence across different cultures and rating systems
- Evolution of depictions of violence in action scenes (stylized vs realistic)
- Exploration of consequences and moral implications of violent action
- Use of action violence as social commentary or satire
Global appeal of action
- Transcends language barriers through visual storytelling
- Adapts to different cultural contexts and action traditions (Hong Kong action cinema)
- Influences cross-cultural exchange of filmmaking techniques and styles
- Drives international box office success for Hollywood blockbusters
- Inspires local action film industries in various countries
Subverting action tropes
Comedic action scenes
- Parodies traditional action sequences for humorous effect
- Subverts audience expectations of typical action behavior
- Uses physical comedy and timing to create laughter within action contexts
- Employs absurd or exaggerated situations in action scenarios
- Blends action with witty dialogue or situational humor
Slow-motion and stylized action
- Utilizes speed ramping and bullet-time effects for dramatic impact
- Creates hyper-realistic or surreal action aesthetics
- Emphasizes the beauty or brutality of action through visual manipulation
- Allows audiences to appreciate intricate details of complex action sequences
- Serves as a signature style for directors (Zack Snyder, Wachowski sisters)
Psychological action
- Focuses on internal conflicts and mental battles rather than physical confrontations
- Uses action as a metaphor for characters' psychological states
- Blurs the line between reality and imagination in action sequences
- Explores the emotional and psychological toll of violent or high-stakes situations
- Incorporates elements of suspense and thriller genres into action narratives
Key Terms to Review (25)
Anti-Hero: An anti-hero is a central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes, such as morality, idealism, or courage. This type of character often embodies flaws and makes questionable choices, leading to complex narratives that challenge traditional notions of heroism. Anti-heroes interact dynamically with protagonists and antagonists, often blurring the lines between good and evil, and their journeys can lead to significant action and development in contemporary storytelling.
Camera Angles and Movement: Camera angles and movement refer to the positioning and movement of the camera in relation to the subject being filmed, which plays a crucial role in storytelling. Different camera angles can influence the viewer's perception of characters and events, while movement can enhance the emotional impact of a scene. This combination can create tension, intimacy, or a sense of scale, deeply affecting how the audience connects with the narrative.
Car Chase: A car chase is a sequence in film and television that involves high-speed pursuit, usually between vehicles, often featuring thrilling maneuvers and stunts. These sequences heighten tension and excitement, serving as a pivotal moment that propels the narrative forward, showcasing character motivations and the stakes involved.
Chase Scenes: Chase scenes are dynamic sequences in film and television that depict a pursuit, typically involving characters in fast-moving vehicles or on foot, creating tension and excitement. These scenes often serve to advance the plot, highlight character motivations, and showcase the stakes of the narrative. The pacing, cinematography, and editing of chase scenes are crucial to building adrenaline and engaging the audience.
Choreography considerations: Choreography considerations refer to the thoughtful planning and arrangement of movement sequences within a scene, particularly in relation to action and character interactions. These considerations involve how characters move through space, the timing of their actions, and the overall visual composition of the scene. They are essential for creating dynamic visuals that enhance storytelling, especially during action sequences where movement can convey emotion, tension, and character development.
Cliffhanger: A cliffhanger is a narrative device used to create suspense and anticipation by leaving a story unresolved at a critical moment, compelling the audience to return for the next installment. This technique enhances action and builds tension, often propelling the narrative momentum and engaging viewers over episodes or entire seasons.
Close-up: A close-up is a type of camera shot that tightly frames a person or an object, often focusing on facial features or small details. This shot is used to convey emotions, emphasize important elements, and draw the audience's attention to subtle nuances in the performance or setting. By isolating the subject from the surrounding environment, a close-up enhances the emotional connection between the viewer and the characters, making it an essential tool for storytelling.
Die Hard: Die Hard is a 1988 action film that follows the story of NYPD officer John McClane as he attempts to rescue hostages taken by a group of terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper. The film is renowned for its intense action sequences, witty dialogue, and McClane's resourcefulness, setting a new standard for the action genre. It blends elements of suspense, drama, and dark humor, contributing to its legacy as one of the greatest action films of all time.
Disaster Scenarios: Disaster scenarios refer to fictional or hypothetical situations where catastrophic events lead to significant destruction, chaos, or a breakdown of societal order. These scenarios are often used in storytelling to create tension, showcase character development, and explore themes of survival and human resilience in the face of adversity.
Editing techniques: Editing techniques refer to the various methods and processes used to assemble footage into a coherent narrative, enhancing the storytelling through visual and auditory elements. These techniques play a crucial role in shaping the rhythm, pacing, and overall emotional impact of a film or television piece. They can manipulate time, create tension, or highlight specific actions, making them essential tools for filmmakers in conveying their intended message.
Fight Scene: A fight scene is a sequence in a film or television show that depicts physical combat between characters, often featuring choreography, stunts, and special effects. These scenes serve to heighten tension, showcase character abilities, and advance the plot by revealing conflicts and relationships between characters. They can vary in style from realistic portrayals of combat to stylized, exaggerated representations that emphasize entertainment value.
Good vs. Evil: Good vs. evil is a fundamental moral dichotomy that represents the struggle between virtuous actions and malevolent intentions in storytelling. This theme is often central to narratives, shaping character motivations, plot dynamics, and audience engagement, and it helps explore complex ethical questions and the human condition.
Hero: A hero is a central character in a story who typically embodies courage, strength, and moral integrity. This character often goes on a journey, faces challenges, and undergoes personal growth, influencing the narrative's action and emotional arc. The hero's journey is a common framework that highlights their evolution, while the depiction of heroes can vary widely across genres such as action and fantasy, reflecting broader themes of struggle, triumph, and the human condition.
Inciting Incident: The inciting incident is a pivotal moment in a story that disrupts the status quo and sets the protagonist on a journey toward conflict. This moment acts as a catalyst for the narrative, introducing the central conflict and prompting the protagonist to take action, which drives the plot forward and leads to subsequent events.
James Cameron: James Cameron is a renowned filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer known for his groundbreaking work in the action genre, particularly in science fiction and adventure films. His films often combine innovative technology with compelling storytelling, resulting in epic cinematic experiences that have redefined action filmmaking. With a career marked by monumental successes, Cameron's contributions to the industry are significant, influencing both narrative techniques and technical advancements in filmmaking.
Mad Max: Mad Max is a post-apocalyptic action film series created by George Miller, centered around a dystopian future where society has collapsed and resources are scarce. The series follows the titular character, Max Rockatansky, as he navigates this chaotic world filled with violent gangs and extreme survival situations, emphasizing high-octane action, unique vehicle chases, and strong visual storytelling.
Michael Bay: Michael Bay is a renowned American filmmaker known for his work in the action genre, particularly in blockbuster films characterized by high-octane sequences, explosive special effects, and dynamic cinematography. His distinctive style often emphasizes visual spectacle over deep narrative, which has shaped the modern approach to action filmmaking.
Redemption: Redemption is a narrative concept where a character undergoes a transformation that allows them to atone for their past mistakes or wrongdoings, often leading to personal growth and renewal. This process can be integral to character development, influencing how the audience perceives the journey and struggles of the character, often culminating in a sense of hope or closure.
Special effects integration: Special effects integration is the seamless combination of live-action footage with visual effects to create a cohesive and believable scene in film and television. This process involves blending practical effects, like miniatures or animatronics, with digital effects, ensuring that they work together to enhance storytelling without drawing attention to the effects themselves.
Storyboarding techniques: Storyboarding techniques are visual planning methods used in film and television to organize scenes, actions, and transitions before actual shooting begins. These techniques involve creating a series of sketches or images that represent each significant moment in a sequence, helping to visualize how the narrative unfolds and ensuring clarity in communication among the creative team. They play a crucial role in determining pacing, camera angles, and overall visual storytelling.
Stunt Choreography: Stunt choreography is the art of planning and executing action sequences in film and television that involve physical feats, often requiring special skills or training. It combines movement, timing, and safety measures to create convincing and thrilling action moments on screen. Stunt choreography not only enhances the visual appeal of a scene but also contributes to character development and storytelling by showcasing the stakes of a narrative.
Tension: Tension refers to the emotional and psychological strain created in a story that keeps audiences engaged and invested in the outcome. It often arises from conflict, uncertainty, and the stakes involved in a narrative, leading to an anticipation of resolution or escalation. This emotional engagement is crucial for pacing and can be built through various elements such as rising action, plot points, and character dynamics.
Three-Act Structure: The three-act structure is a narrative framework commonly used in storytelling that divides a story into three parts: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. This structure helps to organize plot development, character progression, and thematic elements, creating a clear arc for both the narrative and its characters.
Tracking shot: A tracking shot is a continuous shot that moves the camera along a predetermined path to follow the action or reveal details within a scene. This technique enhances the viewer's experience by providing a dynamic perspective, making it essential for conveying both movement and emotion. Tracking shots can be used to create a sense of urgency, establish connections between characters, and draw attention to important elements within the frame.
Visual effects: Visual effects (VFX) refer to the processes by which imagery is created or manipulated outside the context of a live-action shot in film and television. This technology is used to create illusions or enhance scenes that would be impossible to achieve with practical effects alone, allowing for seamless integration of computer-generated elements with live-action footage. The use of visual effects has become a crucial element in action sequences and the creation of fantastical worlds, enabling filmmakers to tell stories that transcend reality.